Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionA senior UAE delegation led by Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs Eng. Sharif Al Olama has concluded a five-day mission in China. Bilateral discussions in Shanghai explored joint investments in battery storage, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and smart electric vehicles. Delegates also inspected automated logistics operations at the Port of Shanghai's Yangshan Phase IV terminal.
Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, stated that no planned foreign direct investment projects have been cancelled in 2026 despite regional geopolitical tensions. The country remains committed to achieving its target of $65 billion in annual FDI inflows by 2031, supported by domestic infrastructure development and investor partnerships. HSBC estimates that the UAE's planned infrastructure project pipeline exceeds $190 billion in financing requirements.
Invest Hong Kong announced efforts to expand offshore yuan financing across Belt and Road markets during the Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2026 in Beijing. Hong Kong delegations have conducted roadshows in Gulf Cooperation Council countries to foster capital market ties and lower funding costs for infrastructure. The initiative targets clean energy, off-grid power grids, and energy storage, while encouraging mainland firms to expand via Hong Kong.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued Ministerial Decision No. 197 of 2026, granting compliance relief under the federal electronic invoicing system. Transactions within the same VAT tax group receive a 24-month exclusion starting January 1, 2027, and physical domestic storage requirements for archives have been lifted. The rule requiring companies to notify the tax authority of system failures within two days has also been eliminated.
Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi presented investment opportunities to nearly 300 business leaders at a summit in Shenzhen. More than 400 Chinese companies currently operate in the emirate across key growth sectors. Officials noted that UAE-China bilateral non-oil trade exceeded $110 billion in 2025.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
UAE legal provisions under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 criminalise fabricated, defamatory, or extortionist online reviews against businesses. Dubai Police recently referred a group to Public Prosecution after commercial shops coordinated fake Google Maps reviews against a competitor without visiting the premises.
The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs received two awards at the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2026 for its Digital Trade Corridor and Tawqiei platform. The Digital Trade Corridor leverages blockchain and artificial intelligence to enable pre-arrival processing and faster clearance under a 'Submit Once, Use Many' model. The Tawqiei system, introduced in 2025, digitised document signing and administrative approvals across departments.
The UAE's retirement-income system was upgraded from a C+ to a B grade in the 2026 Global Pension Index published by Marsh and CFA Institute. The nation's score increased to 70.0 from 64.9 in 2025, earning top A grades in both adequacy and integrity. The General Pension and Social Security Authority linked the performance to legislative reforms, including Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
ARIDGE has rolled off its first Land Aircraft Carrier (X3-F) air module at its Guangzhou factory for the UAE's advanced air mobility regulatory sandbox. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended the unveiling ceremony alongside ARIDGE founder Zhao Deli.
The 28th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre on October 20, 2026. The exhibition features strong international participation, including a dedicated China Pavilion presenting water filtration, smart metering, and clean mobility innovations. Chinese exhibitors at the trade event showcased solutions spanning industrial water treatment, advanced meters, and new energy vehicles.
China's aluminum foil exports reached 128,200 tonnes in September 2026, marking the second-highest monthly volume of the year according to customs data analyzed by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM). The 6.8% month-on-month increase was propelled by sharp demand rebounds from the UAE and Mexico. Cumulative exports for the first nine months reached 1.0527 million tonnes, up 3.8% year-on-year.
Chinese technology giant Baidu has expanded testing and operations of its Level 4 autonomous driving taxi service, Apollo Go, to four overseas markets including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The company's autonomous fleet has exceeded 350 million cumulative kilometers, supported by localized LiDAR and proprietary battery-swapping technology. The development forms part of a broader acceleration in Chinese physical AI, alongside companies like robotics unicorn GALBOT.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Manufacturing
A global survey of more than 12,000 car buyers by Bain & Company reveals that vehicle price remains the top purchasing consideration in the US and Europe, cited by 68% and 62% of consumers respectively. In contrast, Chinese buyers prioritize technology and vehicle features at 58%, ranking tech ahead of pricing. The study also highlights declining brand loyalty in Western markets and the growing influence of AI and autonomous driving capabilities.
Energy & Sustainability
The UAE's renewable energy capacity increased over 63-fold from 129 MW in 2015 to more than 8.2 GW in 2025, according to Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei. Clean energy generated 32.4 percent of the nation's electricity in 2025, with a target of reaching 35 percent by 2031. The country plans up to AED 200 billion in clean energy investments through 2030.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
More than 175 healthcare organisations gathered at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi for the three-day Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026. Organised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi under the theme 'To Sense is to Predict', the event spotlights AI, genetic testing, and advanced diagnostics to detect diseases before symptoms appear. Officials highlighted Abu Dhabi's strategy to shift toward preventive medicine through international technology cooperation.
Energy & Sustainability
The Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation launched the 2026 China-Arab Business & Investment Report and announced a climate resilience partnership with the World Bank during Investopia Bridge 2026 in Abu Dhabi. UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi and Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri attended the plenary launch. The joint flagship report analyzes bilateral collaboration across both established industries and emerging technology sectors.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Official travel advisory
Yemen, including Socotra Island
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Jordanian airspace
Entry, visa and border restriction
Qatar entry ports
Flight cancellation / route change
Beirut / US-Lebanon air routes
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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